Whether or not Wagner and Mathilde Wesendonck had an affair under the noses of their respective spouses, there was certainly a raging mutual attraction. The songs he made from her poems led directly to the explosive passion of his masterpiece, Tristan and Isolde. Around the songs, we hear two more utterly unmistakeable voices: Poulenc, in his moving and dazzling tribute to fellow-composer Honegger; and Rachmaninov, in the epic cello sonata he wrote immediately after his second piano concerto conquered the world.

Poulenc Clarinet sonata

Wagner Wesendonck lieder (Five poems for a female voice, WWV91)

Rachmaninov Cello sonata in g minor, op19

Heini Kärkkäinen, Julian Arp, Reto Bieri, Polina Leschenko, Julius Drake, Priya Mitchell, Claude Frochaux, Dorottya Láng

Festival Pass

Experience all the scintillating performances at the Festival under one Festival Pass. The Pass saves £54 compared to purchasing the tickets individually and affords you the greatest level of access. Pass holders have priority access to the venues as soon as doors open to choose their favourite seats ahead of individual ticket holders.

In order to buy a Festival Pass, you will need to select one full price ticket for all eight concerts in your basket. Once you have selected your tickets, your basket will be discounted to £160.

Wheelchair Spaces

If you require a wheelchair space for this event, please call 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for further assistance.